The original Mini was still selling reasonably well in 2000 when it was withdrawn. It had loads and loads of 'passes' on safety issues from the EU because it had been in continuous production in an unaltered form since 1959.
By the end the engine had fuel injection and catalysts (on an engine first made in 1952), electric coolling fans (for noise levels) and even an option of AC. It was only withdrawn so that BMW could introduce their MINI - they removed the then Rover Group's right to use the Mini name, plus of course it was the only car still using the A-series and gearbox in sump.
It rusts very quickly though - those last ones made are quite ropey now. My dad used to buy a new one each year, each on replacing the last. Every one of them already had rust by the time he traded them in.
The A-series engine is pretty remarkable too - still capable of competitive power and economy right up until the end. For example a carb fed 998cc version made 46bhp in 1982 (I had one
) and claimed up to 80 MPG (at a steady 56 mph) - in reality it made 45 in everyday use, and I drove it like any 17 year old would, on or near the red line everywhere.
A Cooper 970 or 1071 S is on my wish list even now. You get much more fun and waves in one than the modern one.